{"id":10366,"date":"2025-03-01T14:07:47","date_gmt":"2025-03-01T19:07:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dhss.delaware.gov\/dph\/dhan389\/"},"modified":"2025-03-02T00:53:57","modified_gmt":"2025-03-02T05:53:57","slug":"dhan389","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/dhss.delaware.gov\/dph\/php\/alerts\/dhan389\/","title":{"rendered":"php\/alerts\/dhan389 ~  Division of Public Health &#8211; Health Alert  &#8211; Delaware Health and Social Services &#8211; State of Delaware"},"content":{"rendered":"<div data-swiftype-index=\"true\">\n\n\n\n  <br>\n\n\n\n  <div class=\"container\" id=\"main_header\"> \n\n    <!-- BEGIN readspeaker div -->\n\n    <div class=\"rs_skip rsbtn rs_preserve\" id=\"readspeaker_button1\">\n\n      <a accesskey=\"L\" class=\"rsbtn_play\" href=\"https:\/\/app-na.readspeaker.com\/cgi-bin\/rsent?customerid=7262&#038;lang=en_us&#038;readid=main_content&#038;url=https:\/\/dhss.delaware.gov\/dph\/php\/alerts\/dhan389.html\" title=\"Listen to this page using ReadSpeaker\">\n\n        <span class=\"rsbtn_left rsimg rspart\"><span class=\"rsbtn_text\"><span>Listen<\/span><\/span><\/span>\n\n        <span class=\"rsbtn_right rsimg rsplay rspart\"><\/span>\n\n      <\/a>\n\n    <\/div>\n\n    <!-- END readspeaker div -->\n\n\n\n    \n\n    <header class=\"pull-left\">\n\n      <h1>Delaware Health Alert Network #<!--[type=EDIT name=\"DHAN Number\"]-->389 <!--[END]--> <\/h1>\n\n      <h2> <!--[type=EDIT name=\"DHAN Date\"]-->June 21, 2018 3:34 pm <!--[END]--> <\/h2>\n\n    <\/header>\n\n  <\/div><br>\n\n \n\n  <div class=\"container\">\n\n    <div class=\"row\">\n\n      <div class=\"col-md-3\" id=\"leftCol\">\n\n        <div class=\"panel-group\" id=\"accordion\">\n\n          <div class=\"panel sectionmenu_panel\">\n\n            <div class=\"panel-heading\">\n\n              <p class=\"panel-title\"><a class=\"agency_nav\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapseOne\"><strong><i class=\"fa fa-align-justify fa-fw\"><\/i> Public Health Menu<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n            <\/div>\n\n\n\n            <div class=\"panel-collapse collapse in\" id=\"collapseOne\">\n\n              <div class=\"panel-body\" id=\"clf_nav\">\n\n                  <ul class=\"nav nav-stacked nav-pills-clf\" id=\"agency_sidebar\">\n    <li><a href=\"\/dph\/\"><h2>Home <i class=\"fa fa-home fa-fw\"><\/i><\/h2><\/a><\/li>\n    <li class=\"toplevel\"><a data-parent=\"#agency_sidebar\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#HomeMenu\"><h2>About <i class=\"fa fa-caret-right fa-fw\"><\/i><\/h2><\/a>\n      <ul class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"HomeMenu\">\n        <li><a href=\"\/dph\/about.html\">About DPH<\/a><\/li>\n        <li><a href=\"\/dph\/sections.html\">Sections &#038; Programs<\/a><\/li>\n        <li><a href=\"\/dph\/ofclocations.html\">Office Locations<\/a><\/li>\n        <li><a href=\"\/dph\/contact.html\">Contact Info<\/a><\/li>\n      \n        <li><a href=\"\/calendars.html\" target=\"_blank\">Calendar<\/a><\/li>\n      <\/ul>\n    <\/li>\n    <li class=\"toplevel\"><a data-parent=\"#sidebar\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#ServicesMenu\"><h2>Services <i class=\"fa fa-caret-right fa-fw\"><\/i><\/h2><\/a>\n      <ul class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"ServicesMenu\">\n        <li><a href=\"\/dph\/servicesaz.html\">A-Z Services<\/a><\/li>\n        <li><a href=\"\/dph\/hsp\/environmental.html\">Air &#038; Water Quality<\/a><\/li>\n        <li><a href=\"\/dph\/ss\/vitalstats.html\">Birth, Death, &#038; Marriage Records<\/a><\/li>\n        <li><a href=\"\/dph\/clinics.html\">Clinics<\/a><\/li>\n        <li><a href=\"\/dph\/healthdatastats.html\">Health Data &#038; Statistics<\/a><\/li>\n        <li><a href=\"\/dph\/php\/emsps.html\">Emergency Preparedness<\/a><\/li>\n        <li><a href=\"\/dph\/healthandwellness.html\">Health &#038; Wellness<\/a><\/li>\n        <li><a href=\"\/dph\/hsp\/healthyhomes.html\">Healthy Homes<\/a><\/li>\n        <li><a href=\"\/dph\/hsp\/healthywp.html\">Healthy Workplaces<\/a><\/li>\n        <li><a href=\"\/dph\/lab\/labs.html\">Laboratory<\/a><\/li>\n        <li><a href=\"\/dph\/hsp\/feir.html\">Restaurant Inspections<\/a><\/li>\n        <li><a href=\"\/dph\/screen.html\">Screening and Testing<\/a><\/li>\n        <li><a href=\"\/dph\/chca\/dphwichominf01.html\">WIC<\/a><\/li>\n        <li><a href=\"\/dph\/servicesadd.html\">Additional Services<\/a><\/li><li>\n      <\/li><\/ul>\n    <\/li>\n    <li class=\"toplevel\"><a data-parent=\"#sidebar\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#InformationMenu\"><h2>Information <i class=\"fa fa-caret-right fa-fw\"><\/i><\/h2><\/a>\n        <ul class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"InformationMenu\">\n        <li><a href=\"\/dph\/factsheetsaz.html\">A-Z Fact Sheets<\/a><\/li>\n        <li><a href=\"\/dph\/pubreportsaz.html\">A-Z Publications &#038; Reports<\/a><\/li>\n        <li><a href=\"\/dph\/diseasesandconditions.html\">Diseases &#038; 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Persons with a clinical picture compatible with pertussis should \n\n\n\n\n\nhave samples sent for laboratory testing (see laboratory testing below).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n<p>Pertussis is a reportable disease in Delaware. Confirmed and suspected cases of pertussis should be \n\n\n\n\n\nreported to DPH. This will allow for appropriate DPH follow-up with patients, and the initiation of \n\n\n\n\n\ninterventions to prevent further spread of the disease in the community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n<p>Report known or suspected cases of pertussis promptly to the DPH Office of Infectious Disease Epidemiology \n\n\n\n\n\nat 302-744-4990, fax to (302) 223-1540, or email to <a href=\"mailto:reportdisease@delaware.gov\">reportdisease@delaware.gov<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n<h2>BACKGROUND<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n<p>Pertussis, or whooping cough, is a highly contagious communicable disease caused by the bacterium, <em>Bordetella Pertussis<\/em>. \n\n\n\n\n\nPertussis is transmitted through air-borne droplets (coughing, sneezing) or direct contact with fluids or \n\n\n\n\n\nrespiratory secretions of infected persons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n<p>Pertussis is characterized by coughing paroxysms that are often followed by a characteristic \u201cwhoop\u201d \n\n\n\n\n\nsound and\/or post-tussive vomiting. Its incubation period is about 4 to 21 days (average 7 to 10 days). \n\n\n\n\n\nIllness onset is insidious with symptoms similar to those of a minor upper respiratory infection (catarrhal period). \n\n\n\n\n\nDuring the first 1 to 2 weeks of illness, coryza with an intermittent non-productive cough is common; this period \n\n\n\n\n\nis followed by episodes of paroxysmal coughing which frequently last for several weeks (paroxysmal period). \n\n\n\n\n\nPertussis may occur among persons of any age, including teens and adults who were vaccinated only at a young age, \n\n\n\n\n\nalthough infants aged less than one year have the highest rates of complications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n<p>The last outbreak of pertussis in Delaware occurred in early 2014, also among Kent County\u2019s Amish population. \n\n\n\n\n\nMore than 200 people were affected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n<p>At this point, the outbreak does not yet appear to be widespread; however, the situation can change rapidly, \n\n\n\n\n\nand it is important that appropriate steps are taken to prevent further spread of the disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n<h2>REPORTING<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n<ul>\n\n\n\n\n\n<li>Report suspect pertussis cases to DPH at 302-744-4990, fax to (302) 223-1540, or <a href=\"mailto:reportdisease@delaware.gov\">\n\n\n\n\n\nreportdisease@delaware.gov<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n\n\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n<h2>LABORATORY TESTING<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n<ul>\n\n\n\n\n\n<li>All suspected cases of pertussis should have a nasopharyngeal (NP) aspirate or swab obtained \n\n\n\n\n\nfor culture and\/or PCR from the posterior nasopharynx. (Throat and anterior nasal swabs have \n\n\n\n\n\nunacceptably low rates of recovery of <em>B. pertussis<\/em>.) NP specimens should be obtained \n\n\n\n\n\nusing a Dacron (not cotton) swab inserted slowly through the nostril to the posterior pharynx. \n\n\n\n\n\nGently rotate swab for 10 seconds before withdrawing.<\/li>\n\n\n\n\n\n<li>Samples may be sent to the Delaware Public Health Laboratory (DPHL) for PCR or to commercial \n\n\n\n\n\nlaboratories (i.e. Mayo, LabCorp, Quest) for PCR and culture.<\/li>\n\n\n\n\n\n<li>Detailed guidance on sample collection and transport of specimens is available at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/pertussis\/clinical\/diagnostic-testing\/index.html\">https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/pertussis\/clinical\/diagnostic-testing\/index.html<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n\n\n<li>Testing performed at DPHL must be coordinated through the Office of Infectious Disease Epidemiology. \n\n\n\n\n\nCall 302-744-4990 or send report (email: <a href=\"mailto:reportdisease@delaware.gov\">reportdisease@delaware.gov<\/a> \n\n\n\n\n\nor fax: 302-223-1540) prior to submitting samples to DPHL.<\/li>\n\n\n\n\n\n<li>Note that serology is not beneficial as a diagnostic tool for pertussis.<\/li>\n\n\n\n\n\n<li>Macrolide antibiotics (azithromycin, erythromycin) are the drugs of choice for treatment for \n\n\n\n\n\npersons with pertussis as well as for chemoprophylaxis for exposed persons.<\/li>\n\n\n\n\n\n<li>Exposure is defined as face-to-face contact, direct contact with respiratory, oral, or nasal \n\n\n\n\n\nsecretions, or being in the same room or ward with a coughing pertussis patient.<\/li>\n\n\n\n\n\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n<h2>For Additional Information<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n<ul>\n\n\n\n\n\n<li>CDC &#8211; Pertussis: <a href=\"http:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/pertussis\/\">http:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/pertussis\/<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n\n\n<li>Pertussis Diagnostic Testing: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/pertussis\/clinical\/diagnostic-testing\/index.html\">https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/pertussis\/clinical\/diagnostic-testing\/index.html<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n\n\n<li>Pertussis Vaccination: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/pertussis\/vaccines.html\">https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/pertussis\/vaccines.html<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n\n\n<li>Pertussis Frequently Asked Questions: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/pertussis\/about\/faqs.html\">https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/pertussis\/about\/faqs.html<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n\n\n<li>Postexposure Antimicrobial Prophylaxis: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/pertussis\/outbreaks\/pep.html\">https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/pertussis\/outbreaks\/pep.html<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n\n\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n\n\n<br>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p>************************************<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n<p>You are receiving this email because you are a registered member of the Delaware Health Alert Network.\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you are not a member and would like to subscribe, please register at <a href=\"https:\/\/healthalertde.org\">https:\/\/healthalertde.org<\/a><\/p><!--[END]-->\n\n  \n\n        <div class=\"panel panel-danger\">\n\n          <div class=\"panel-heading\">    \n\n      <h2>Categories of Health Alert messages:<\/h2>\n\n       <\/div>\n\n       <div class=\"panel-body\">\n\n      <ul>\n\n        <li><strong>Health Alert:<\/strong> Conveys the highest level of importance; warrants immediate action or attention.<\/li>\n\n        <li><strong>Health Advisory:<\/strong> Provides important information for a specific incident or situation; may not require immediate action.<\/li>\n\n        <li><strong>Health Update:<\/strong> Provides updated information regarding an incident or situation; unlikely to require immediate action.<\/li>\n\n            <\/ul>\n\n         <div><strong>NOTE: This page is for informational purposes only and dated material (e.g. temporary websites) may not be available.<\/strong><\/div>\n\n          <\/div> \n\n        <\/div><br>  \n\n\n\n      <\/div>\n\n    <\/div>\n\n  <\/div><!-- \/container -->\n\n  <\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Listen Delaware Health Alert Network #389 June 21, 2018 3:34 pm Public Health Menu Home About About DPH Sections &#038; Programs Office Locations Contact Info Calendar Services A-Z Services Air &#038; Water Quality Birth, Death, &#038; Marriage Records Clinics Health Data &#038; Statistics Emergency Preparedness Health &#038; Wellness Healthy Homes Healthy Workplaces Laboratory Restaurant Inspections [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":0,"parent":9294,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-10366","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/dhss.delaware.gov\/dph\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/10366","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/dhss.delaware.gov\/dph\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/dhss.delaware.gov\/dph\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dhss.delaware.gov\/dph\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/8"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dhss.delaware.gov\/dph\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=10366"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/dhss.delaware.gov\/dph\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/10366\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":11542,"href":"https:\/\/dhss.delaware.gov\/dph\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/10366\/revisions\/11542"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dhss.delaware.gov\/dph\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/9294"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/dhss.delaware.gov\/dph\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=10366"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}